What to do with scrap fabric? You can recycle scrap fabric by making this fun DIY pumpkin pillow cover that’s an easy, no-sew, and budget-friendly scrap fabric project.
When I first began to make scrap fabric pillow covers, I was inspired by an antique quilt that was my grandmother’s. The combination of many fabric scraps and colors inspired the Spring Flower Pillow, which launched many more seasonal scrap fabric projects.
This yard sale quilt inspires today’s project with so many fun colors.

What To Do With Scrap Fabric?
As a lifelong crafter, I’ve collected fabric for years. My waste not attitude has me hanging onto scraps of fabric most people would have tossed years ago. Therefore, when I started making scrap fabric pillow covers, I was glad to have the supplies ready for recycling.
Here are some great ideas if you have a collection and want to know what to do with scrap fabric. In addition, I’ll share how you can use them for this Pumpkin Pillow Cover.
- Tassels
- Quilts
- Doll Clothing
- Up-cycled clothing
- Hair accessories
- Fabric Wrapping Paper (sustainable)
- Decoupage projects
- Scrap Books
- Book Covers

What Are Some Ideas For Making Recycle Scrap Fabric Pillows?
Use fabrics from baby’s clothing, bridal clothing, sportswear or uniforms, school or travel memorabilia, etc., to make gift pillows. Some gift ideas for creating a pillow would be for mothers, Brides, Graduation, and Grandparents, and use these unique occasion fabrics.
Here is some other pillows idea you might like as well.

What Materials Are Needed for Pumpkin Pillow Covers?
- Scrap Fabric
- Pillow Cover
- Sharpie Pen
- Permanent Fabric Glue
- Scissors
- Jute Twine (optional)
- Pumpkin Templates (I drew my own but you can download many free templates)
How To Make The Fabric Strips?
Begin by cutting a small starting point, approx. 1/4 – 1/2 inch wide on the fabric.

Next, rip the fabric by pulling both ends. This works better than cutting the strips because the fabric will curl naturally.

Add a protective barrier inside the pillow cover
Because you are using permanent glue to attach the scrap fabric, you must place a barrier inside the pillow cover.
I use simple wax paper placed inside the cover to prevent the fabrics from adhering to each other.

How To Get The Design on the Pillow Cover?
Each of my pillow designs has been different. However, I usually begin with a template.
Draw a basic design that you want for your pillow cover. For this design, I wanted five small pumpkins.
To make the pillow more interesting, draw five different pumpkins and cut them from paper. This will allow you to lay the design out and make any adjustments before you begin.
Finally, trace each of the pumpkin shapes onto the pillow cover.

Attach Scrap Fabric
Begin by adding a small amount of permanent fabric glue to the outside edge of the pumpkin design. Next, twist a strip of the recycled scrap fabric and press it into the glue. You will need to hold it in place until it adheres, or you can add straight pins if required.

Next, add glue in small areas as you attach the fabric strips in the shape of pumpkins.

Be sure to fill the inside of each pumpkin shape. Add a stem to each pumpkin with a contrasting color of the fabric.

Optional Curls for Pumpkins
Because I’m a more is less kind of girl, I added some jute twine curls to the pumpkin stems.
To make the curl, mix a tiny amount of water with the glue and dampen the jute string in the mixture.
Use a piece of tape to attach the jute to the straw and wrap it around it until the twine is dry.

Once dry, you should have curly jute twine. In addition, I added some twine to a toothpick for a tighter curl.

Click Image For Details
Using the permanent glue, attach as many curls as you’d like to the stem area of each pumpkin.

Finished Pumpkin Pillow for Fall
The colors in the recycled scrap fabrics work great with the vintage quilt.

Be sure to watch the video tutorial as well.

The guest bedroom is ready for fall guests with this fun fall pillow.

DIY Scrap Fabric Fall Pillow Cover Tutorial

What to do with scrap fabric? You can recycle scrap fabric by making this fun DIY pumpkin pillow cover that’s an easy, no sew and budget friendly scrap fabric project.
Materials
- Scrap Fabrics
- Pillow Cover
- Sharpie Pen
- Permanent Fabric Glue
- Jute Twine (optional)
- Pumpkin Template
Tools
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Straw (optional)
Instructions
- Rip scrap fabric into strips 1/4-1/2 inch wide
- Place protective barrier inside pillow cover (wax paper(
- Trace pumpkin templates onto the pillow cover with sharpie
- Add glue in small sections of the pumpkin pattern beginning on the outer edge.
- attach strips of fabric by twisting the fabric and adhering to the glue.
- Hold in place until attached or use pins to secure until dry.
- Continue until all pumpkins are complete with stems
- Option - add curled jute twine to stem area
- To make curls, drip twine in a mixture of glue and water and wrap around a straw until dry.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
KINGLAKE 328 Feet Natural Jute Twine Best Arts Crafts Gift Twine Christmas Twine Durable Packing String
-
Sharpie Permanent Marker, Fine Point, Black, Pack of 5
-
Aleene's Fabric Fusion Adhesive, 8-Ounce
-
Home Brilliant Lined Linen Burlap Rectangular Accent Throw Pillow Covers Cushion Cover for Couch Bedroom, 12x20 inches, Set of 2, Light Linen
Thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.

PIN IT TO REMEMBER IT

Rachel
Saturday 17th of September 2022
Mary, You are so kind to share my pillow.
Mary from Life at Bella Terra
Friday 16th of September 2022
Rachel, this DIY is so super cute! I love that it is No Sew and can use up scraps of fabric, which I have too many. I want to share this on my Saturday Meanderings this week!
Rachel
Saturday 17th of September 2022
Mary, Thanks so much for doing this.
CoCo
Friday 9th of September 2022
I can't get over the hundreds of ways you've been able to repurpose big and small things, Rachel - it's fantastic - and this pillow is no exception. Hugs, CoCo
Rachel
Friday 9th of September 2022
CoCo, I'm so glad you like it.
[email protected]
Friday 9th of September 2022
How fun is that?! Looks fantastic on the bed too. Happy Fall!
Rachel
Friday 9th of September 2022
Cindy, You are so sweet to stop by today.
Renae
Friday 9th of September 2022
Super cute! I love it. Happy Fall, my friend.
Rachel
Friday 9th of September 2022
Renae, thanks for your encouragement.